Limestone Speech aims to provide collaborative services for the AEDC domains of ‘communication skills and general knowledge' and 'language and cognitive skills'. Through completion of our provided services we are hoping to support educators in identifying gaps in their inclusivity measures, address areas for up-skilling and capacity building, as well as work with small groups of children delivering evidence-based intervention to address and reduce developmental vulnerabilities.

We also aim to:

• achieve early identification and targeted support for groups of children with developmental vulnerabilities
• up-skill educators with knowledge and resources to support children's speech and language skills
• increase families' knowledge and capacity to best support their children’s speech and language
• increase the understanding of diverse communication for educators and families
• achieve improved ability to support diverse needs through inclusive practices
• have recipients of support feel more confident in supporting children’s language and communication needs in an ongoing capacity.

Expected outcomes for this program are:

• improved verbal and non-verbal communication skills for children
• improved understanding of diverse communication
• improved ability to implement strategies to support communication
• improved ability to implement strategies to support articulation (speech sound production).

Services will be provided by Limestone Speech staff to groups of children, families, and educators, or by educators with training and supports. Supports are available in-person and online as needed to education staff, groups of children and families. Services will be delivered at a frequency and duration that is best suited for the ECEC setting, as well as following evidence-based recommendations based on the type of service e.g., group intervention sessions with children. We will collaborate with the educators to determine the level of support they require however, educator upskilling and capacity building will be at the forefront therefore, intervention with children can continue when we are not around if suitable. Services can also include observations, demonstrations, and recommendations of resources to enhance and support children’s communication, language, and speech development.

This support is delivered for $193.99 per hour for a speech pathologist. If travel is required, it will be charged at rate of $3.23 per minute. A provider travel non-labour cost of 99c per kilometre will also be charged.